NWS Shadow Theater ENPUB

Vertep (puppet-show booths) is a traditional puppet performance, showing the history of the birth of Jesus Christ. Such performances spread in Russia since the 17th century, and vertep has become a part of the celebration of Christmas. This tradition nearly disappeared during the last century, but now  festivals of Christmas vertep are held again in Russia.

The artists of the “Uchyony Medved” (“Smart Bear”) Theatre are performing vertep’s representations since 2008. They use only live music, and some communication, singing songs, different games and riddles for the young audience take place between the first part (traditionally the birth of Jesus and the terrible outcome of King Herod) and the second part. What is remarkable is their successful combination of Orthodox Christmas vertep with shadow theatre.